DOCSLIB.ORG

Menzies a Battle Within the Labyrinth

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Menzies a Battle Within the Labyrinth MENZIES A BATTLE WITHIN THE LABYRINTH Abalinx 10 February 2020 Peter Adamis A battle within the labyrinth of Menzies is soon to be played out. The battle lines have been drawn up and the opposing camps sharpening their political spears, formations are at the ready and the electorate standing by. Two men from two different backgrounds and outlook on life are going to do battle within the vast labyrinth of the electorate of Menzies. There can be only one winner! The whole Liberal party I looking at the looming pre-selection battle and will wonder whether the concept of conducting early pre-selections was worth defying the Prime Minister and all the parliamentarians. If it fails then Robert Clark and his sycophantic minions will be dancing on political coals come end of May. The challenger, Keith Wolahan is a young barrister of Irish background born in Dublin. He arrived in Australian as a youngster, studied hard to become a barrister and works in Victoria. Although Keith Wolahan comes across as a nice guy, he has not been seen to kick goals with the leadership roles he's held in the party. For example he has limited experience in fundraising, attended very few events in Bulleen and has been absent at time during his leadership. However his alternative role as an officer in the Army reserve is very demanding and that may be the reason for his lack of political commitment. I am impressed with his support of veterans in obtaining benefits and providing legal advice to numerous cases on humanitarian grounds Keith Wolahan other passion is the art of warfare and as member of the Army Reserve he has had the experience of at least three tours of service in Afghanistan. Those who have served with him have advised me that he is a "good hand" meaning he can be relied upon and supports his men under his command. This indeed high praise from those who have served with him and I for would not expect anything less from him. I guess I am somewhat biased towards veterans, given my own background. It appears that Keith Wolahan has been groomed from a young age to take on higher responsibilities, by being exposed to life experiences that have matured him beyond those of his peers. Keeping a low profile for some odd twenty five years a Liberal Party member, Keith Wolahan to his credit had been concentrating on his legal and Army Reserve pursuits. Therefore, it is safe to say that although much is expected of him he places a high priority on duty and the welfare of the men under his command. It seems natural that his parents seeking to elevate their son to higher office laid the foundations for their son to take on a political career. Branches, State Electorate Committees, Federal Electorate Committees, Women's organisations, Committees and Social Media platforms were ‘infiltrated’ with the aim of influence party members. This is a classic approach to challenging well entrenched long serving members of parliament. A well-known technique that has been used many times in the past by others seeking office. It happened in Bulleen when Nick Kotsiras engineered to replace David Perrin, followed on his heels by Matthew Guy and his camp of followers. Josh Frydenberg was successful in replacing Petro Georgiou after two attempts and Srinivasan Vasan applied the same techniques to win pre-selection in Forrest Hill. The only difference in these four examples is that Srinivasan Vasan was unable to emulate their successes during the election had it not been for the internal conflicts at that time. Keith Wolahan aligned himself with that failed and disastrous administration led by Tony Snell who unfortunately had to weather the corruption storm of the State Director Damien Mantach. On the departure of Tony Snell and his administrative team, an investigation led to the downfall of the State Director Damian Mantach. The departure of Tony Snell was a severe blow for the Keith Wolahan camp. With the change in leadership and at the Secretariat level, many who had joined the Liberal Party under Tony Snell found that their membership was revoked under the ‘Grandfathering’ concept. The concept of Grandfathering ' became a problem for Keith Wolahan and did not bode well with the Wolahan camp. Many of those recruited by the Wolahan camp found themselves outside the Menzies electorate and therefore not in a position to vote. Keith had recruited over 80 new members into Menzies in 2008, who didn't live in the electorate. Almost all of these left the party straight after they lost the ability to vote at a preselection. This was pure unlucky for Keith Wolahan who had worked silently behind the scenes preparing for a challenge. What is of interest is that many of those affected were found to be ex- Army Reserve members or currently serving members of the Australian Defence Force. On reflection, we are left wondering whether Keith Wolahan was trying to emulate his colleague Andrew Hastie in West Australia who was also a special services officer deployed in Afghanistan or was he motivated by Tim Fischer a Vietnam veteran and revered past Deputy Prime Minister. Although both men are worth emulating, I am of the belief that Keith Wolahan had not factored on changes at the Administrative level occurring. This blow not expected by the Wolahan camp, removed any opportunities of challenging the sitting member Kevin Andrews at that time. As a result of this setback, Keith Wolahans friend and colleague Eddie Gisonda stood down as the Electorate Chairman of Menzies and was replaced by Andrew Asten, a senior management consultant. These sudden changes and setbacks to the Wolahan camp created a panic and they sought refuge within the Federal Electorate of Menzies under the umbrella of the Bullen State electorate where Keith Wolahan has been chairman for some years. This position enabled Keith Wolahan like the good Army Reserve officer that he is to plan, control, and influence, recruit and marshal his supporters into positions of influence. In addition to maintaining a political fortress, Keith Wolahan has renewed his friendship with Ian Quick who is currently on the Administrative Committee advising Robert Clark. It has been alleged but not yet proven that Ian Quick in order to help his mate Keith Wolahan masterminded the concept of early pre-selections. It is important to note that the Bulleen sitting member Matthew Guy who was the previous Opposition Leader, was undermined by Ian Quick and those currently on the Administrative Committee led by Robert Clark. This did not deter Keith Wolahan from his mission. With the pre-selection now closed there are only two candidates in the field. Many believe that the seat of Menzies should have attracted a much wider field given the talent of Victorian diverse communities and changes in the demographics. It appears that two candidates for the highly coveted seat of Menzies is just not good enough for those living within the boundaries of Menzies. It therefore is not a surprise to find that some long term residents do not believe that Keith Wolahan has the political skills and knowledge for a Federal seat and others feel that Keith is better suited for a State seat. Yet there are the persistent rumours making the rounds stating that Kevin Andrews should step down after the next Federal election and prepare a successor such as Matthew Guy. If this was to occur then it would create a vacancy for Keith Wolahan in Bullen where he is entrenched. I believe all of these so called rumours are merely just that, rumours. To ensure the success of his early preselection concept, Ian Quick is alleged to have engineered the Menzies pre-selection to favour his mate Keith Wolahan. Ian Quick is on record as a result of his disloyal and corrosive emails to members as disliking long serving members of parliament. It is not hard to see that the Menzies is a test case for Robert Clark, Ian Quick and those who have supported the concept of early pre-selections. Related sources associated with Keith Wolahans camp believe that the Prime Minister should offer Kevin Andrews a responsible role representing Australia overseas. If this happens and Keith Wolahan decides to challenge, it may attract Peta Credlin to enter the fray. In today’s world of political intrigue anything is possible. One could hazard a guess that Kevin Andrews is still a relative young man and when he decides to announce a successor he will do so. However I am of the belief that none of the above are being considered by the Keith Wolahan camp for the simple reason that they may be deliberate diversions and digressions. Such actions and non-actions have not gone unnoticed by the supporters of Kevin Andrews who are appalled by the political machinations of the Keith Wolahan camp. Therefore it is no wonder that the Prime Minister Scott Morrison has come out in favour of Kevin Andrews. Scott Morrison came in favour of Kevin Andrews stating: “I fully endorse his application and urge members to support him.” One could say that Scott Morrison has extended his support to all Victorian Federal Members as well as Kevin Andrews. This is seen by many as a snub to Robert Clark and his sycophant followers. Many of whom are now regretting to have supported the current administration. According to the Australian, “Among others to provide testimonials are parliamentary colleagues Josh Frydenberg, Mathias Cormann, Peter Dutton, Dan Tehan, Greg Hunt, Alan Tudge, Angus Taylor, Michael Sukkar, Sarah Henderson, Andrew Hastie and Jim Molan.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Political Overview
    ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL OVERVIEW PHOTO: PAUL LOVELACE PHOTOGRAPHY Professor Ken Wiltshire AO Professor Ken Wiltshire is the JD Story Professor of Public Administration at the University of Queensland Business School. He is a Political long-time contributor to CEDA’s research and an honorary trustee. overview As Australia enters an election year in 2007, Ken Wiltshire examines the prospects for a long-established Coalition and an Opposition that has again rolled the leadership dice. 18 australian chief executive RETROSPECT 2006 Prime Minister and Costello as Treasurer. Opinion Politically, 2006 was a very curious and topsy-turvy polls and backbencher sentiment at the time vindi- … [Howard] became year. There was a phase where the driving forces cated his judgement. more pragmatic appeared to be the price of bananas and the depre- From this moment the Australian political than usual … dations of the orange-bellied parrot, and for a dynamic changed perceptibly. Howard had effec- nation that has never experienced a civil war there tively started the election campaign, and in the “ were plenty of domestic skirmishes, including same breath had put himself on notice that he culture, literacy, and history wars. By the end of the would have to win the election. Almost immedi- year both the government and the Opposition had ately he became even more pragmatic than usual, ” changed their policy stances on a wide range of and more flexible in policy considerations, espe- issues. cially in relation to issues that could divide his own Coalition. The defining moment For Kim Beazley and the ALP, Howard’s decision The defining moment in Australian politics was clearly not what they had wanted, despite their occurred on 31 July 2006 when Prime Minister claims to the contrary, but at least they now knew John Howard, in response to yet another effort to the lay of the battleground and could design appro- revive a transition of leadership to his Deputy Peter priate tactics.
    [Show full text]
  • Than Luck “From Climate Change and Sustainability to Proper Governance and Strengthening Our Democracy, the Ideas in More Than Luck Come at the Right Time
    More Than Luck “From climate change and sustainability to proper governance and strengthening our democracy, the ideas in More Than Luck come at the right time. And we need politicians who are willing to take them seriously. If we cannot think bigger than tweets, we are in trouble. If our politicians won't think bigger than sound-bites, we are lost." – JULIAN BURNSIDE, QC “Politics is not a horse race, but if you're anything like me and you're only just recovering from the "mule-trading" vibe of Election 2010, More Than Luck is a brilliant place to restore your faith. What sweet relief to find a collection of words, sentences, pages, chapters, a whole book that reminds us of the possibility these current times offer us.” – CLARE BOWDITCH, MUSICIAN More Than Luck: Ideas Australia needs now is both a collection of ideas for citizens who want real change and a to-do list for politicians looking to base public policies on the kind of future ideas australia needs now Australians really want. In this collection of essays, CPD fellows and thinkers show what’s needed to share this country’s good luck amongst all Australians, now and in the future. They examine where we are now and where we need to go if we are to move beyond the stasis that has settled over government and opposition in Australia. The result is a mix of easy wins that are ready to be implemented and some big, bold nation building ideas that may require a bit more backbone on the part of our political leaders.
    [Show full text]
  • The Lead Story Today Is Nick Minchin's Valedictory Speech in the Senate
    The lead story today is Nick Minchin’s valedictory speech in the Senate. More than any other person Nick was responsible for leading the campaign against the CPRS Bill and incidentally in unseating Malcolm Turnbull as leader, (although Nick has often said that that was never his aim at all; Turnbull’s suicide was collateral damage as they say in military circles). His departure from the Senate will leave a big gap in our defence line in Parliament and his absence from the Abbott govt which will sooner or later take over the reigns of office is a source of concern. But he can claim with complete justification that he has done his bit and has earned the right to catch up on the family life which is denied to federal politicians through their frequent absences in Canberra. Also of great interest is the publication today in the Melbourne Age – yes the Melbourne Age – of a piece by Bob Carter. My understanding is that it is too late to save The Age (and the SMH) from an imminent demise – both papers are losing lots of money but, none-the-less, a death bed conversion is better than no conversion at all. Also below is an open letter to the PM from the Fair Farmers’ group, an excellent document for sending to friends, particularly in rural Australia, who may need encouragement right now. Ray Evans Nick Minchin’s speech Senator MINCHIN (South Australia) (16:00): The 30th of June will, in my case, bring to an end not just 18 years in the Senate but 32 years of full-time involvement in politics.
    [Show full text]
  • House of Representatives By-Elections 1902-2002
    INFORMATION, ANALYSIS AND ADVICE FOR THE PARLIAMENT INFORMATION AND RESEARCH SERVICES Current Issues Brief No. 15 2002–03 House of Representatives By-elections 1901–2002 DEPARTMENT OF THE PARLIAMENTARY LIBRARY ISSN 1440-2009 Copyright Commonwealth of Australia 2003 Except to the extent of the uses permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means including information storage and retrieval systems, without the prior written consent of the Department of the Parliamentary Library, other than by Senators and Members of the Australian Parliament in the course of their official duties. This paper has been prepared for general distribution to Senators and Members of the Australian Parliament. While great care is taken to ensure that the paper is accurate and balanced, the paper is written using information publicly available at the time of production. The views expressed are those of the author and should not be attributed to the Information and Research Services (IRS). Advice on legislation or legal policy issues contained in this paper is provided for use in parliamentary debate and for related parliamentary purposes. This paper is not professional legal opinion. Readers are reminded that the paper is not an official parliamentary or Australian government document. IRS staff are available to discuss the paper's contents with Senators and Members and their staff but not with members of the public. Published by the Department of the Parliamentary Library, 2003 I NFORMATION AND R ESEARCH S ERVICES Current Issues Brief No. 15 2002–03 House of Representatives By-elections 1901–2002 Gerard Newman, Statistics Group Scott Bennett, Politics and Public Administration Group 3 March 2003 Acknowledgments The authors would like to acknowledge the assistance of Murray Goot, Martin Lumb, Geoff Winter, Jan Pearson, Janet Wilson and Diane Hynes in producing this paper.
    [Show full text]
  • Official Hansard No
    COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES SENATE Official Hansard No. 7, 2001 TUESDAY, 22 MAY 2001 THIRTY-NINTH PARLIAMENT FIRST SESSION—SEVENTH PERIOD BY AUTHORITY OF THE SENATE INTERNET The Votes and Proceedings for the House of Representatives are available at: http://www.aph.gov.au/house/info/votes Proof and Official Hansards for the House of Representatives, the Senate and committee hearings are available at: http://www.aph.gov.au/hansard SITTING DAYS—2001 Month Date February 6, 7, 8, 26, 27, 28 March 1, 5, 6, 7, 8, 26, 27, 28, 29 April 2, 3, 4, 5, May 22, 23, 24 June 4, 5, 6, 7, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 27, 28 August 6, 7, 8, 9, 20, 21, 22, 23, 27, 28, 29, 30 September 17, 18, 19, 20, 24, 25, 26, 27 October 15, 16, 17, 18, 22, 23,24, 25 November 12, 13, 14, 15, 19, 20, 21, 22 December 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 11, 12, 13 RADIO BROADCASTS Broadcasts of proceedings of the Parliament can be heard on the following Parliamentary and News Network radio stations, in the areas identified. CANBERRA 1440 AM SYDNEY 630 AM NEWCASTLE 1458 AM BRISBANE 936 AM MELBOURNE 1026 AM ADELAIDE 972 AM PERTH 585 AM HOBART 729 AM DARWIN 102.5 FM THIRTY-NINTH PARLIAMENT FIRST SESSION—EIGHTH PERIOD Governor-General His Excellency the Hon. Sir William Patrick Deane, Companion of the Order of Australia, Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire Senate Officeholders President—Senator the Hon. Margaret Elizabeth Reid Deputy President and Chairman of Committees—Senator Suzanne Margaret West Temporary Chairmen of Committees—Senators Andrew Julian Bartlett, Paul Henry Calvert, George Campbell, Hedley Grant Pearson Chapman, Hon.
    [Show full text]
  • An Examination of Australians of Hellenic Descent in the State Parliament of Victoria
    LOUCA.qxd 15/1/2001 3:19 ìì Page 115 Louca, Procopis 2003. An Examination of Australians of Hellenic Descent in the State Parliament of Victoria. In E. Close, M. Tsianikas and G. Frazis (Eds.) “Greek Research in Australia: Proceedings of the Fourth Biennial Conference of Greek Studies, Flinders University, September 2001”. Flinders University Department of Languages – Modern Greek: Adelaide, 115-132. An Examination of Australians of Hellenic Descent in the State Parliament of Victoria Procopis Louca Victoria, the second most populated State in Australia, is widely claimed to include as its capital the third largest Grecophone city in the world, after Athens and Thessaloniki. The Victorian State Parliament has more members of Greek and Cypriot (Hellenic) background, than any other jurisdiction in the Commonwealth of Australia. Continuing a series of analyses of the role of elected State and Federal representatives of Hellenic descent in Australia (Louca, 2001), this paper will focus on the Victorian State Parliament, but with reference also to current and former Victorian Federal parliamentarians. There is an exploration of the cultural, political, social and personal influ- ences that guided these individuals to seek election to Parliament and their experiences as politicians with a Hellenic background. As at the beginning of 2002, six sitting members in the Victorian Parliament have a Hellenic background. Four represent the Australian Labor Party (ALP), two the Liberal Party. They are: Alex Andrianopoulos ALP Peter Katsambanis Liberal Nicholas Kotsiras Liberal Jenny Mikakos ALP John Pandazopoulos ALP Theo Theophanous ALP In addition to these current members, there are also two others who have re- tired from Parliament, or are deceased, Theo Sidiropoulos ALP (deceased) 115 Archived at Flinders University: dspace.flinders.edu.au LOUCA.qxd 15/1/2001 3:19 ìì Page 116 PROCOPIS LOUCA and Dimitri Dollis ALP (retired).
    [Show full text]
  • Extract from Book 12)
    EXTRACT FROM BOOK PARLIAMENT OF VICTORIA PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD) LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL FIFTY-EIGHTH PARLIAMENT FIRST SESSION Wednesday, 31 August 2016 (Extract from book 12) Internet: www.parliament.vic.gov.au/downloadhansard By authority of the Victorian Government Printer Following a select committee investigation, Victorian Hansard was conceived when the following amended motion was passed by the Legislative Assembly on 23 June 1865: That in the opinion of this house, provision should be made to secure a more accurate report of the debates in Parliament, in the form of Hansard. The sessional volume for the first sitting period of the Fifth Parliament, from 12 February to 10 April 1866, contains the following preface dated 11 April: As a preface to the first volume of “Parliamentary Debates” (new series), it is not inappropriate to state that prior to the Fifth Parliament of Victoria the newspapers of the day virtually supplied the only records of the debates of the Legislature. With the commencement of the Fifth Parliament, however, an independent report was furnished by a special staff of reporters, and issued in weekly parts. This volume contains the complete reports of the proceedings of both Houses during the past session. In 2016 the Hansard Unit of the Department of Parliamentary Services continues the work begun 150 years ago of providing an accurate and complete report of the proceedings of both houses of the Victorian Parliament. The Governor The Honourable LINDA DESSAU, AM The Lieutenant-Governor The Honourable Justice MARILYN WARREN, AC, QC The ministry (from 20 June 2016) Premier ......................................................... The Hon. D. M.
    [Show full text]
  • Report of the Expert Panel on Asylum Seekers
    S R EEKE ANEL ON S P T OF THE T R R SYLUM SYLUM XPE REPO E A AUGUST 2012 REPORT OF THE EXPERT PANEL ON ASYLUM SEEKERS AUGUST 2012 CONTENTS INDEX OF TABLES IN THE REPORT 3 INDEX OF FIGURES IN THE REPORT 4 THE REPORT 5 FOREWORD 7 TERMS OF REFERENCE 9 OVERVIEW: THE APPROACH UNDERPINNING THIS REPORT 10 SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS 14 CHAPTER 1: ASYLUM SEEKING: THE CHALLENGES AUSTRALIA FACES IN CONTEXT 19 Global realities 20 The regional dimension in the Asia Pacific 22 Australia’s circumstances 22 ‘Push’ and ‘pull’ factors 26 CHAPTER 2 AUSTRALIAN POLICY SETTINGS: AN INTEGRATED APPROACH TOWARDS A REGIONAL COOPERATION FRAMEWORK 31 The relevance of Australia’s national policy settings 31 The imperative of a regional cooperation plan on protection and asylum 32 CHAPTER 3: AN AUSTRALIAN POLICY AGENDA 37 Part A: Proposed changes to Australian policy settings to encourage use of regular pathways for international protection and established migration programs 38 Part B: Measures to discourage the use of irregular maritime travel to Australia 47 AttACHMENT 1: THE GLOBAL AND REGIONAL CONTEXT 59 AttACHMENT 2: PEOPLE SMUGGLING AND AUSTRALIA 71 AttACHMENT 3: AUSTRALIA’s InTERNATIONAL LAW OBLIGATIONS WITH RESPECT TO REFUGEES AND ASYLUM SEEKERS 79 AttACHMENT 4: AUSTRALIA’s conTRIBUTION TO INTERNATIONAL PROTECTION 85 AttACHMENT 5: ASYLUM CASELOADS AND RSD RATES IN AUSTRALIA AND GLOBALLY 93 AttACHMENT 6: AUSTRALIA’s INTERNATIONAL AND REGIONAL ENGAGEMENT ON IRREGULAR MOVEMENT AND INTERNATIONAL PROTECTION 109 AttACHMENT 7: RETURNS AND REMOVALS OF PERSONS FOUND
    [Show full text]
  • House of Representatives By-Elections 1901-2005
    Parliament of Australia Department of Parliamentary Services Parliamentary Library RESEARCH BRIEF Information analysis and advice for the Parliament 16 August 2005, no. 1, 2005–06, ISSN 1832-2883 House of Representatives by-elections 1901–2005 The first part of this revised brief discusses the 141 by-elections for the House of Representatives since Federation, including the most recent for the New South Wales division of Werriwa. The brief’s appendices give a full set of by-election figures. Gerard Newman, Statistics Section Scott Bennett, Politics and Public Administration Section Contents Party abbreviations ................................................... 1 Executive summary ................................................... 2 Contests ......................................................... 2 Causes .......................................................... 2 Outcomes ........................................................ 2 The organisation of Commonwealth by-elections.............................. 3 The reasons why by-elections have been held .............................. 3 The timing of by-elections ............................................ 4 By-elections 1994–05 ............................................. 5 Vacancies for which no by-election was held 1901–2005 ................... 6 Number of nominations .............................................. 6 Candidates per by-election ......................................... 7 Voter turnout ..................................................... 7 Party performance ...................................................
    [Show full text]
  • The Rudd Government Australian Commonwealth Administration 2007–2010
    The Rudd Government Australian Commonwealth Administration 2007–2010 The Rudd Government Australian Commonwealth Administration 2007–2010 Edited by Chris Aulich and Mark Evans Published by ANU E Press The Australian National University Canberra ACT 0200, Australia Email: [email protected] This title is also available online at: http://epress.anu.edu.au/rudd_citation.html National Library of Australia Cataloguing-in-Publication entry Title: The Rudd government : Australian Commonwealth administration 2007 - 2010 / edited by Chris Aulich and Mark Evans. ISBN: 9781921862069 (pbk.) 9781921862076 (eBook) Notes: Includes bibliographical references. Subjects: Rudd, Kevin, 1957---Political and social views. Australian Labor Party. Public administration--Australia. Australia--Politics and government--2001- Other Authors/Contributors: Aulich, Chris, 1947- Evans, Mark Dr. Dewey Number: 324.29407 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publisher. Cover design by ANU E Press Illustrations by David Pope, The Canberra Times Printed by Griffin Press Funding for this monograph series has been provided by the Australia and New Zealand School of Government Research Program. This edition © 2010 ANU E Press Contents Acknowledgments . vii Contributors . ix Part I. Introduction 1 . It was the best of times; it was the worst of times . 3 Chris Aulich 2 . Issues and agendas for the term . 17 John Wanna Part II. The Institutions of Government 3 . The Australian Public Service: new agendas and reform . 35 John Halligan 4 . Continuity and change in the outer public sector .
    [Show full text]
  • Electoral Regulation Research Network Newsletter December 2013 Table of Contents
    Electoral Regulation Research Network Newsletter December 2013 Table of Contents Message from the Director 1 News 2-4 ERRN Research Collaboration Initiative 5-6 Forthcoming Events 7 ERRN Event Reports 8-9 Recent Publications 10 ERRN Working Papers Series 11-12 Case Notes: 13-17 • AEC petition to the High Court regarding Senate election • Unions New South Wales v State of New South Wales (High Court) • Queensland Police Union of Employees v Queensland (High Court) • The Age journalists admit to illegally accessing ALP electoral database • Beswick, in the matter of an Election for an Office in the Shop, Distributive & Allied Employees’ Association v Swetman [2013] FCA 642 (Federal Court, 18 June 2013) • Mylne v Return & Services League of Australia (Qld Branch) Maroochydoore Sub Branch Inc [2013] QSC 179 (Qld Supreme Court, 20 June 2013) • Horn v Australian Electoral Commission [2013] WASC 72 (WA Supreme Court, 7 March 2013) • Banerji v Bowles [2013] FCCA 1052 (Federal Circuit Court, 9 August 2013) • AA v BB (2013) 296 ALR 353 (Vic Supreme Court, 20 March 2013) • The Age Company Ltd v Liu (2013) 82 NSWLR 268 (NSW Court of Appeal, 21 February 2013, High Court, 6 September 2013) • Liberal Party of Australia (Western Australia Division) Inc v City of Armadale [2013] WASC 27 (WA Supreme Court 18 January 2013) • O’Flaherty v Sydney City Council (2013) 210 FCR 484 (Federal Court, 15 April 2013) • Muldoon v Melbourne City Council [2013] FCA 994 (Federal Court, 1 October 2013) Newsletter Team Democratic Audit Rob Hoffman & Nathaniel Reader Newsletter Editors of Australia Ben Saunders Legal Editor Jean Goh ERRN Administrator Contact Us email us: [email protected] www.law.unimelb.edu.au/errn www.law.unimelb.edu.au/errn Message from the Director The aftermath of the recent federal election has clearly illustrated the topicality of electoral issues.
    [Show full text]
  • Philip Mendes
    I " 200106856 ECONOMIC RATIONALISM VERSUS SOCIAL JUSTICE: The Relationship Between the Federal Liberal Party and the Australian Council of Social Service 1983-2000 Philip Mendes Over the last decade and a half, the Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS) _ the peak council of the non-government welfare sector - has become one of the most effective lobby groups in the country. During the period of Federal ALP Governments from 1983-1996, ACOSS exerted significant influence on government policy agendas in social security and a number of other areas, maintained a consistently high profile and status in media and public policy debates, and formed close links with other key interest groups such as the ACTU (Mendes, 1997:26). Whilst the election of the Howard Liberal Government in March 1996 introduced a tougher political and intellectual climate for ACOSS, the peak council appeared at least on the surface to retain its political influence. In particular from mid-1996 till the federal election of August 1998, ACOSS played a central role in Australia's tax reform debate. Yet approximately two years later, Australia has a new taxation system which is sharply at odds with ACOSS' key policy concems and recommendations. In addition, ACOSS has largely been frozen out of the tax debate by the Howard Govemment since the last federal election. Overall, ACOSS' policy agenda appears to have been increasingly marginalised by an unsympathetic govemment. This article explores the relationship between the Federal Liberal Party and ACOSS from 1983 to the current day. This period coincides with the Copyright of Full Text rests with the original copyright owner and, except as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, copying this copyright material is prohibited without the permission of the owner or its exclusive licensee or agent or by way of a licence from Copyright Agency Limited.
    [Show full text]